About Bukit Larut

Bukit Larut was founded in 1888 and is Malaysia's oldest hill resort. It rises to a height of 1,035 meters, just 3km (10 mins drive) from Taiping, Perak. It is located in the wettest part of the country, as the hill station experiences the highest rainfall in the country. William Edward Maxwell who was appointed as Assistant Resident of Perak in 1875 worked and lived in the Larut area. Taiping was a beautiful basin, surrounded by lush tropical jungle and lofty hills. The cool, jungle air brought in by the morning breeze prompted Maxwell on a quest for a hill station who sourced this place for hill resort. Hence Bukit Larut was formerly called as 'Maxwell Hill'. The road leading up to the 1,000m high summit, winds through lush shady forest. After the ride up, you will be rewarded with fresh and cool hill top air and a breathtaking view at the Larut Rest house.

Attractions
Bukit Larut is not nearly as developed as other popular hill resorts of Malaysia such as the Cameron or Genting Highlands but it is widely known by Green Peace Lover, Botanical Scientists, and Flora and Fauna Specialist World Wide. In Bukit Larut there are hundred & thousands of rare species of flora and fauna which you can hardly find anywhere else on this earth as it is not explored and contaminated by human development. Gardens cultivated with care, cool and fresh air and the crystal clear water bring refreshment to your soul & body. The best part is the natural sounds made by nature when the cool air blow in the forest and the sound made by animals. The hill abounds with groves of evergreens and vibrantly colored flora and fauna. Roses, dahlias, daisies, pansies, petunias, lupins, and marigolds abound in profusion. The cool climate also favors golden sunflowers with reputedly the largest variety in the country. Midway to the top is the Tea Garden House that was once part of the tea-estate. The view at this point is magnificent and features the entire Taiping town as well as the Lake Gardens. Also visible are the suburbs of Aulong and Simpang and the 19km stretch of Taiping - Port Weld road. Lake Garden comprising of 62-hectares parks is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in the country. It offers lush greenery, a beautiful lake abounding with freshwater fish, a gazebo and a colourful profusion of flowers. The Taiping Zoo probably the oldest zoo in the country, is another attraction located within the Gardens. Admission to the other facilities available at the Gardens include a 9-hole golf course, fishing and aqua biking in the lake area.

Location & Map

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Getting There
By Air : Nearest airport is at Ipoh. By Road : On the North-South Highway, take the Taiping exit out of the highway. Follow the signs to Taiping after the toll and from Taiping town head towards the lake gardens. There are signs showing the way to Bukit Larut ( Maxwell Hill) By Bus : From KL take the Transnational Coach from the Hentian Duta Bus Terminal. By Taxi : From Taiping catch a cab from town to the foot of Maxwell Hill. If you rather walk, it is about 6km from town. It's a lovely walk through the gardens. Base Station : Reaching the top of the hill requires a four-wheel drive jeep. Since private vehicles are not allowed entry, the resort authority caters to this service. The main office is also situated at the bottom of the hill where you can make bookings for your rides up and down the hill or to stay overnight. Beginning from 7am each day, you can get Land Rover services at the foot of the hill. The service runs once every hour and ends at 6pm.